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The ultimate degree for business leaders

Part-time PhD programme in Business

If you want to become a pioneer of organisational innovation and change, then the PhD programme in Business is the right choice for you.

How to apply for the PhD programme?

You can apply for participation in the Part-Time PhD Programme (start January 2025) by taking the following steps:

Step 1: Request a personal link to securely (through encrypted file transfer) upload your application documents. You can do so by sending an email to the programme coordinator. You will receive this link per email.  

Step 2: Submit the following documents before November 15, 2024:

  • A description of your research topic, including 1) problem statement (what is the issue?); 2) a research question; 3) the theoretical perspective, and 4) a potential research methodology and research design (maximum 2000 words)
  • An updated CV with complete contact details
  • Copies of academic degree + transcripts (certified): an MSc degree or equivalent is required*.
  • A copy of a valid passport (and if applicable a valid Schengen zone visa)**
  • A copy of the English language certification, attesting you excellent command of written and spoken English, certified by an official English language test IELTS or TOEFL, or a diploma from an English taught programme

*Diplomas from professional programmes, certificate programmes, non-academic masters, and postgraduate programmes are generally not accepted as an entry qualification. To assess the eligibility of your degree, please contact the programme coordinator.

** Since this is a part-time, module-based programme, we are not able to organise a Dutch study / residence visa for non-EU participants.

Who is this PhD programme for?

The Part-time PhD in Business programme is specifically designed for business leaders and professionals who aspire to pursue a PhD on a subject relevant to their own business practice next to a fulltime working commitment. However, professional experience or fulltime employment are not strictly required to apply. 

The programme is highly international, and welcomes participants from all geographical and professional backgrounds. 

  • Main industries: Consulting / professional services, banking, higher education, energy, IT, engineering, electronics / high technology, food production and marketing.
  • Average work experience: 15-20 years (range: 1-45)
  • Average age: 40-45 (range: 25–67)
  • Gender: Approx. 50% female, 50% male
  • International participants: 40-45%
  • International participants place of residence: Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Dubai, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Qatar, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Practical Information

  • Registration Deadline

    The registration deadline to apply for the PhD programme starting in January 2024 is November 15, 2023.

    If you wish to register after this final registration deadline, please contact the programme coordinator Niki Konijn to discuss the possibilities.

  • Tuition Fees

    • Years 1 & 2 (January-December): € 9500 per programme year
    • Year 3 (January-December): € 9500 or € 4500 per programme year, depending on the individual trajectory*
    • Year 4 (January-December): € 2500 per programme year
    • Any subsequent year: € 1500 per programme year

    The total amount of the tuition fees varies between € 24.000 and € 31.000 (provided that the PhD trajectory is completed within the four years planned). The fees include the registration, the costs of participation in the modules, individual supervision, access to literature, access to other ABRI courses (optional), participation in the PhD Summer School, lunches and access to various VU services. If desired, participants can choose to purchase an individual programme years. However, it is not possible to purchase individual modules

    Please note that the tuition fees do not include travel expenses and costs associated with the attendance of international conferences.

    *The tuition fees for the 3rd year amount to:

    • € 9500 if the participant chooses to take another full programme year (optional)
    • € 4500 if the participant chooses to participate in the 3+ year programme (optional)
    • € 2500 if the student chooses not to attend courses and works independently with his/her supervisors and promoter only.
  • Duration

    This PhD programme is designed as a four-year programme. In practice, participants can take between 3-7 years to finalize their PhD dissertations, depending on their individual progress.

  • Time Investment

    This programme requires you to spend at the very least 16 hours a week on average, on the preparation for the modules and on your research project.

  • Starting Date

    The next cohort of the PhD programme in Business starts in January 2024.

  • Language

    The PhD programme is entirely taught in English.

  • More Information

    For general questions on the programme and on the registration procedure, please contact:

    Nikolaas (Niki) Konijn  

    Programme Coordinator

    n.m.konijn@vu.nl

    +31 20 59 85 667

    For research-related questions, please contact:

    Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova 

    Programme Director

    s.n.khapova@vu.nl

    +31 20 59 82 414

Reach out for more information

For general information, please contact the Programme Coordinator Niki Konijn. For research-related questions, please contact the Programme Director Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
School of Business and Economics for Professionals
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV AMSTERDAM

General questions?

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Contact

Niki Konijn
  • Prof. dr. Svetlana Khapova
  • Head of Department, Department of Management & Organisation, Programme Director part-time PhD in Business
  • Professor of Organisational Behaviour, and Head of Section HRM/OB
  • + 31 20 59 82414
  • s.n.khapova@vu.nl

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